Myanmar will soon lift the state of emergency imposed in four Meikhtila townships

Myanmar will soon lift the state of emergency imposed in four Meikhtila townships since last March following religious violence that erupted in March this year, according to a message from President Thein Sein sent to Parliament on Tuesday.

“Meikhtila, Mahlaing, Wantwin and Tharsi Townships in Meikhtila District are now stable and peaceful, and therefore the state of emergency will be withdrawn on July 20,” President Thein Sein said in his message.

The violence firstly erupted from a dispute between a gold shop owner and customers in Meikhtila Township on March 20. As the aggression escalated riots broke out nearby in which 43 people were killed and another 13,000 displaced according to reports. The government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew after a 60-day state of emergency was announced on March 22.

During a recent tour of the UK, the president also promised a zero-tolerance approach to those found inciting religious hatred.

On May 20 the state of emergency was extended for another 60 days as the situation was still tense in the region. The 60-day extension will end on July 19 a day before the government aims to withdraw the state of emergency.